Morgan Stanley Raises Ventas (VTR) Price Target on Improving Occupancy Outlook

Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:VTR) is included among the 14 Best Real Estate Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

On February 14, Morgan Stanley raised its price recommendation on Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:VTR) to $90 from $80. It maintained an Equal Weight rating on the stock. The firm said the increase followed a strong quarterly performance and reflected expectations for further upside in 2026, driven by improving occupancy and potential acquisition opportunities. Morgan Stanley also noted that it would be looking for updates on recent operating trends in early March, especially with upcoming industry conferences approaching.

Speaking on the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call, Chairman and CEO Debra Cafaro said 2025 had been a standout year for Ventas, supported by the solid execution of its 1-2-3 Strategy, which focuses heavily on senior housing. She explained that demand remained strong, fueled by an aging population, while new supply stayed relatively limited. This imbalance helped create favorable conditions for the company and supported stronger operating results.

Cafaro said Ventas is well-positioned to benefit from what she described as a long-term growth opportunity in senior housing. She noted that normalized FFO per share rose 9% for the year, while same-store SHOP cash NOI climbed 15%, reflecting strong performance across its senior housing portfolio. She also highlighted the company’s strong returns for shareholders. Ventas delivered total shareholder returns of 35% in 2025, significantly outperforming industry benchmarks and even beating the broader S&P 500 during a year when the overall market posted strong gains.

Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:VTR) is a healthcare-focused REIT that owns a diversified portfolio of properties, including senior housing communities, outpatient medical buildings, research centers, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. In total, the company owns around 1,400 properties across North America and the United Kingdom.

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